Mangaluru: Anglers have a gala time at Panambur Beach

Mangaluru: Anglers have a gala time at Panambur Beach

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, 25 December 2017: Amateur anglers of the city had great time fishing at NMPT Northern Breakwaters which is situated at the far end of Panambur Beach. The rare opportunity came thanks to ‘Angling Carnival India 2017’, a competitive event organized by Gifted India in association with New Mangalore Port Trust and Panambur Beach Development Project.

 

New Mangalore Port Breakwaters comprises of two sea walls on north and south side protruding for about 200 meters into the sea to allow for deep draft to facilitate free movement of ships into the port. These waters are said to have good diversity of different breeds of fish. But access to the breakwaters is normally prohibited due to security restrictions imposed by the port.


The Angling Carnival comprising Angling Championship and Fish Festival is spread across two days: 24 December and 25th December 2017. Prizes will given in two categories: Highest weight and highest catch. First prize for highest weight is Rs. 50,000 and second prize is Rs. 25,000. In highest catch category first prize is Rs. 10,000 and second prize is Rs. 5,000. The entry fee is Rs. 2000. Only advance registrations were accepted and spot entry was not available due to security restrictions.


As many as 50 amateur anglers have registered for the competition. There was one foreign registration from Malaysia. Anglers from across India showed up, including far off places like Himachal Pradesh and Tiruvananthapuram. However a large segment of the competitors were from Mangalore Angling Club. The championship format is based on ‘catch and release’ system by which the fish caught is dehooked, weighed and released back alive into the waters immediately. The anglers are expected to handle the catch gently and not harm the fish in any way.


The event which began at 6:00 a.m. continues till 7:00 p.m. The competitors were organized into different batches based on draw of lots and each batch was allotted 4 hour slots during the day. On the second day 3 hour slot will be given and the event will conclude with prize distribution ceremony at 3:30 p.m.
In addition to angling, the carnival also has Grand Ludo Competition, Street Dance Competition and Musical Night which are organized at other locations on the beach.
A Giant Trevally fish weighing a little over 11 kilos was the heaviest fish hooked by a contestant till Sunday evening.